MIAMI — Unrivaled on Thursday revealed the “disappointing” reason why Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu won’t be taking the court for the three-on-three basketball league this season.
Ionescu has been sidelined for the entirety of Unrivaled’s season with an injury she suffered during the 2025 WNBA playoffs.
Ionescu, a member of the Phantom last season, “was ruled unable to participate in on-court activities during the 2026 Unrivaled season,” the league announced three days after tipping off its second season.
Unrivaled didn’t disclose the details of Ionescu’s injury, though surgery isn’t required at this time, The Post has learned.
Ionescu will continue to participate in off-court workouts.
She also plans to remain involved with the league in an off-court capacity, attending games and making guest appearances during TNT Sports’ broadcasts.
“While I’m disappointed I couldn’t play this season, I’ll be rooting for the Phantom,” Ionescu said in a written statement. “I’m looking forward to working with Unrivaled through content and broadcast opportunities and continuing to support the league’s success.”
Ionescu missed six games last WNBA season with various injuries, including neck tightness and a left foot injury.
Still, she started in the second-most games for the Liberty (38) and averaged 18.3 points, 5.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 38 games last season.
She played in all three of the Liberty’s playoff games, posting 15.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game.
Ionescu is a free agent this offseason but previously expressed her desire to join Breanna Stewart in returning to Brooklyn in 2026.
Alyssa Thomas is one of the nine WNBA stars who’ve officially signed on to Project B, an upcoming global basketball league expected to launch later this year.
Thomas called Project B a “huge opportunity” and “life-changing experience,” especially for someone like her who’s in the back end of their playing career.
“I just take whatever opportunities are on the table,” Thomas said after Laces practice, “and I feel that Project B is something that it’s gonna really take off and challenge the W.”
The buzz around Project B has quieted over the past month and some question whether the league will actually get off the ground.
Thomas said she “can’t really say” whether Project B will be played next offseason.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
